nrupatunga
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Under cover of darkness, Afghan women head to battle
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The Afghan Army is training women to join its special forces. They are playing a key role in night raids, essential in the pursuit of Taliban commanders.
Col. Yaftaly said he saw a need for women in the Special Forces to help conduct night raids. In 2011, he got permission to recruit women and has built up the female force to roughly 25, but says he needs more. Even their male colleagues say their work is essential.
"Our duty is to go inside the houses, search the women and children, make them calm and get them out of danger," said new 21-year-old recruit Zakia Halakim.
On the firing range, Halakim is practicing with two female colleagues. Sporting dark sunglasses, a helmet and scarves wrapped round their faces, their identities are hidden. They have to be. Working alongside men has made them special targets.
The women are paid the same as the men when they are on an operation. Right now, their role is limited to night raids.
"We do face death threats because our work is outside of our culture but this is an important job," said Halakim.
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